Goblin Dependency-Chapter 688 - 345: Introduction of Relationships and Sudden Developments (Part 2)

Chapter 688: Chapter 345: Introduction of Relationships and Sudden Developments (Part 2)

From River Valley Town to Suo Yu Bay in the Southern Islands, it’s nearly fifty days’ journey, during which Xia Nan needs to stop in several towns to resupply.

Midway, there might be times when he has to take a boat to traverse some stretches of water.

The journey is long and distant.

In such situations, how to craft a safe, stable, and convenient route becomes a problem.

Fortunately, River Valley Town is a major hub for adventurers, attracting a sizable number from various places, with information about surrounding areas converging here; among them are those who have traveled to the Southern Islands.

By spending a little money on drinks, one can obtain detailed insights that might not be realized without explicit mention.

For example, local customs, people’s living habits, taboos, and the weather...

Meanwhile, due to the unique nature of River Valley Town, Xia Nan purchased a map marked with River Valley Town and Suo Yu Bay. To be on the safe side, he also bought an additional copy to annotate the various information he gathered.

Yet, the preparations are far from over.

Planning the route requires considering many things.

Whether the relationships are tense at the noble territory’s borders passed along the way, any areas occupied by dangerous demons that require detours, the differences between main roads and trails leading to the same destination, whether the villages along the path welcome outsiders, any taboos to heed...

Additionally, should extreme circumstances arise, whether he can temporarily change the route or even return the way he came...

After three full days of preparation in River Valley Town, Xia Nan felt like his head was about to explode.

Each night after training, he would lock himself in the room, frowning at the map he had densely filled with various notes. He had prepared three backup routes, with numerous stopping points along the journey.

It was only his past life, complete with systematic education and several years of workplace experience, giving him some skills in information gathering and analysis, otherwise, he might not have managed.

Finally, today, he completed the initial planning, deciding to reward himself generously.

At a classic corner spot in the White Sparrow Tavern hall, he ordered a full table of delicious food.

Admittedly, his current financial standing could not match the peak time when his savings broke the four-digit mark, but after three commission rewards were credited to his account—even after deducting the 500 gold spend on the "Pulse of Purgatory"—he had 542 gold, 8 silver, and 3 copper left in cash.

With no usual gambling habits or weapon forging expenses, he could afford to spend money on food, enough for a good time in town.

"Ding pang."

The wine glass gently settled back on the tabletop.

His Adam’s apple moved as Xia Nan savored the sweet creamy flavor lingering on his tongue, accentuated by the rich aroma of the wine with a tinge of bitterness.

His gaze turned toward Dong Shu and Lilia before him.

River Valley Town gathered many adventurers and merchants looking to strike gold here; as long as one is willing to work hard, there’s never a shortage of job opportunities.

In three days, these two young folks had already found jobs suited to them.

Lilia found work as a seamstress in a small sewing shop in town; she’s still in the probation period but reportedly doing well, with a high chance of becoming permanent;

Dong Shu smoothly became an apprentice at the town’s station, doing miscellaneous tasks like sorting feed, feeding horses, and cleaning manure alongside several masters. Due to the unique nature of the station, he could interact with various people, including adventurers, much like his original plan.

The money they earned wasn’t a lot, but it was surely enough to sustain themselves.

In three days, the plain white dress Lilia wore for sacrifice rituals had been replaced with simple work-friendly linen; Dong Shu’s former hunter outfit was locked in the back of his wardrobe, wearing just a brown shirt common among town residents.

However, compared to their time in Fog Lamp Village, their mental state had undergone a drastic change.

With more smiles and less preoccupation, their bodies were no longer tense, and they appeared far more relaxed.

They exuded an energetic feeling, as if basking in sunlight, striving toward a bright future.

Xia Nan couldn’t help feeling gratified.

Even though he never thought of himself as particularly kind-hearted, when he saw how two sincere young individuals were redirected by his casual actions from their grim fates toward a brighter future.

He felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment rising from deep inside.

Believing that his choices did not go amiss.

"Mr. Xia Nan, you said... you’re going on a long trip?"

Lilia asked softly while sipping her meat soup.

"To the south." Xia Nan nodded slightly, "It may be three or four months before I return."

"That far?!" Dong Shu instinctively opened his mouth wide, with some envy on his face, "I truly envy you; the farthest I’ve ever been is here at River Valley Town."

Recalling the hotel room map densely annotated with notes, Xia Nan remained expressionless but internally shook his head with mild pain.

Today, he specifically called them together, not just for a meal.

With nearly a hundred days round-trip journey, too many events could occur.

He wouldn’t want to finally finish his task and come back expecting to check on the young couple, only to find Dong Shu or Lilia dead due to an incident that shouldn’t have occurred.

Thus, he thought of making some quick preparations before departing.

For example... calling an old friend he planned to introduce post-adventure to meet the duo now, though no promises of care, at least getting acquainted.

"Pat, pat."

Accompanied by the sound of metal armor clashing, heavy footfalls echoed by his ear.

The table initially filled with food scents suddenly carried more of the goblin blood’s familiar fishy odor that Xia Nan knew very well.

"Green Blood" Adeline did not stand on ceremony, sitting directly beside Xia Nan.

Pouring herself a full mug of ale, she drank it all in one go.

Casually wiping her mouth with her hand’s back, her gaze swept over the nervous Dong Shu and Lilia across the table.

Turning her eyes to the black-haired young man beside her, she smiled:

"Are these the little ones you mentioned?"

Without waiting for Xia Nan’s response, she started conversing with the two youngsters.

"I heard you come from a village near the canyon that grows Fog Lamp Grass, quite a distance... Why come to River Valley Town?"

"Have you found jobs? Want me to introduce some decent work?"

"Is it you who wants to become an adventurer? Any prior experience... A hunter? That’s definitely something, but..."

Within the past few days, while preparing for the trip, Xia Nan naturally exchanged conversations with Adeline.

He knew that although she already had a professional level, she still carried those few ordinary adventurers in her team.

The tasks she took were primarily goblin nest clearings of relatively lower risk.

Due to her character, she wouldn’t abandon her teammates just because she achieved professional status.

Moreover, her material desires were even lower than Xia Nan’s; after the Red haired Bear Goblins who attacked her family and village died, she nearly entered a state of revenge achieved, desireless and aimless.

Lacking the drive to climb higher.

In a significantly long period ahead, she’d probably remain in River Valley Town, carrying out simple tasks as a professional, earning some money.

Her staying as Xia Nan departs, returning after more than three months, provides an introduction to Dong Shu and Lilia early on for acquaintanceship, so she can help watch over them.

Preventing them from dying absurdly due to something easily solvable by them in town’s corners.

And right when the atmosphere between Adeline, Dong Shu, and Lilia grew more harmonious, their discussion increasingly lively.

Another familiar figure appeared at the tavern’s door.

The short golden hair swayed fiercely due to urgent strides, with silver earrings above the ears constantly catching the eye amidst the strands.

She was still wearing the adventurer association’s receptionist uniform.

Moli entered the tavern, scanning around until Xia Nan caught her eyes, slightly exhaling before heading straight over.

"Mr. Xia Nan, there’s news on the equipment you consigned at the association!"